Labor Attorney Michael Axelrod dies

A 15-year partner with East Meadow-based Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman lost his battle with cancer today.
Michael Axelrod, who specialized in labor law and represented numerous public-sector labor unions in the New York metropolitan area, battled the disease for two years, continuing to practice almost right up until the end. He was 63.
Over his 40-year ...

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Michael and his law firm represented us the Oyster Bay Cove Police for many years. He was a true professional and always did a fine job in representing us throughout the years. We are forever grateful and he will be missed.

Deepest sympathy to Mike’s family on behalf of the men and women of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, Mike’s positive advice and guidance will impact the lives of our members for generations to come.

Mike Axelrod was that rare attorney who managed to advocate fiercely for his clients while charming all at the same time. He was a great attorney and a wonderful person. The Labor Bar will miss him greatly.

In a tough and often adversarial field, Mike was renowned for zealously representing his clients, but doing so in a manner that was professional, constructive and engaging. He understood that the best deal was defensible for both parties and embarrassing to neither. His loss is a huge one for the entire labor relations community.

While I was not one of his intimates, we were nevertheless friends. And that relationship, for the most part, had its roots in local politics. I saw, firsthand, how Mike gave his participation his all. He was street-smart, articulate, tough-but-decent, and committed to doing the best he could in a leadership role.

I haven’t seen Mike for more than thirty years, but when I read in LIBN of his passing, an immediate cloud of sadness seemed to smother me.

Too bad for me, I will never see Mike again. But, as you can read, I’ll never forget him. That’s the way it is with the good guys.